For The Makeup Lovers: International Brands & Where To Get Them

We all have that one beauty brand that makes us quiver in delight (hmm, Too Faced – my weakness). But the sad truth about being in South Africa and having access to these international brands: getting our hands on such pretties is either expensive (shipping fees are a killer!) or almost near impossible. But what if I told you that you can get your hands on everything and anything from Fenty, Ofra and Violet Voss to Makeup Geek, Charlotte Tilbury and Juvia’s Place at stockists across the country? Interested? Then keep reading.

Please note: These stockists have been tried, tested and shopped at by yours truly – ME (Kim, in case you missed the by-line)! All products I have bought from the following are 100% authentic. I’m sharing my secret stash spots here, so I hope you enjoy. Happy shopping!

Go-To Websites

Milo & Mo

Where do I start with Milo & Mo? Firstly, they’re a great online stop if you’re looking for awesome international gift ideas for someone special. From makeup, jewellery and stationery to kids, baby and other lifestyle goodies, they have loads for you to suss out.

And as for the beauty stuff, they offer international makeup, skincare and tool brands as well as Korean beauty items (including Tony Moly, Clio, Kokostar and Laneige just to name a few). Makeup-wise, you can pick up some Huda Beauty palettes, Becca Cosmetics, Anastasia Beverly Hills blushes, Too Faced and even Kylie Jenner Cosmetics. Visit the website to find out what else they have in store!

MUSE Beauty

For almost every beauty brand under the sun – makeup, skincare, beauty tools, whatever – you best visit MUSE Beauty. If I were to pick one online store to visit for the rest of my life, this would be it. Need some convincing? Okay, let me lay it down for you. Makeup brands include BH Cosmetics (affordable yet great quality); Tarte (the Tarte Ready, Set, Radiant skin mist is the bomb); Violet Voss (the Ride or Die palette is a MUST), Fenty Beauty (Rihanna’s very own brand); Jouer Cosmetics; Jeffree Star Cosmetics; Laura Mercier – need I say more?

Pink Cosmetics

Now, not only does Pink Cosmetics make and sell amazing bath bombs, handcrafted soaps, designer perfume body butters and scrubs (trust me, give these goodies a try too), but they also offer international beauty brands and subscription boxes(these sell exceptionally quickly, so you need to act fast)!

Take your pick from a collection of Korean brands and loads of other goodies by Morphe, Lime Crime, Kat Von D, Zoeva, Colourpop, Charlotte Tilbury and even Spectrum (their makeup brushes are to die for!) Click here to see the rest of the list.

Samika

We loveSamika because they have all the good stuff! Sephora, Huda Beauty, Fenty Beauty, Pat McGrath, Tarte, Beautyblender (a must-have accessory for every makeup lover’s bag of tricks), The Balm, Kylie Cosmetics, Cover FX – the list just goes on and on. Even if you’re looking for some makeup porn (you know, just a little window shopping), this is a site you could spend your lunchtimes browsing. They also offer Korean skincare goodies and other international skincare brands including Pixi, Paula’s Choice, E.L.F. Cosmetics and Beauugreen just to name a few.

Makeup Shack

Another site that I frequent often (and when I say often, I mean daily), is Makeup Shack. Not only do they stock my favourites, but they’re also affordable (when it comes to pricing and delivery costs). It’s also here that I discovered the best dupes ever for Huda Beauty and Anastasia Beverly Hills palettes! Cue, Bad Habit. Same shadows and colours, same colour payoff, just at a more pocket-friendly price.

Other makeup brands you can expect to see here include Anastasia Beverly Hills, Colourpop, Jouer, Fenty Beauty, Huda Beauty, Make Revolution, Milani, Morphe, Phytocare, Kylie Cosmetics, E.L.F. Cosmetics and more. Keep an eye on their site as they get new stock regularly and take pre-orders.

Best Beauty Buys

For all my beauty accessories, be it mirrors, brushes, derma rollers, Diva Rings (a light to ensure the best lighting possible for makeup application, videos, selfies, etc) and much more, I visit Best Beauty Buys. Not only do they have awesome accessories but they also stock international brands if you’re looking to pick up something pretty to add to your collection. A few options include Ofra Cosmetics, Ordinary Skincare, Real Techniques (amazing brushes), Vamp Stamps (a quick way to the perfect winged eyeliner), Temptu (airbrush foundations), Morpe and others.

Trusted Instagram Stockists

The Beauty Buzz SA

My Instagram makeup shopping started here, with the lovely Nitasha Mitha at The Beauty Buzz SA. It was the first time I had ever considered buying international brands from a local importer and I won’t lie, I was rather edgy about it. I held my breath for days hoping I didn’t make a huge mistake. But once my order arrived, I was delighted (and relieved) to find that it was, in fact, the authentic BH Cosmetics Shaaanxo palette that I had wanted since the moment I lay my eyes on it. Since that moment, I have trusted The Beauty Buzz SA. Tash stocks many different brands including Colourpop, Morphe and BH Cosmetics at some of the best prices I have seen. If there is one person I can vouch for when it comes to 100% authentic international brands, it’s Tash. Contact her on thebeautybuzzsa@gmail.comor simply drop her a DM on Instagram.

What I bought here – the BH Cosmetics Shaaanxo palette and just recently the Colourpop You Had Me At Hello palette.

Kay Beauty Online

One of my newer international makeup stockists from Instagram is Kay Beauty Online. They haven’t got a huge following, but I assure you, they sell the real deal when it comes to international goodies. I currently have a palette I’ve been dying to get my hands on in transit as we speak (Kathleen Lights X Colourpop Dream St palette). They’re super friendly and easy to talk to if you have any concerns or questions. Check them out on Instagram or drop them a mail at info@kaybeautyonline.com.

La Boutique

Yes, I was sceptical about shopping for international brands on Instagram. I have heard millions of horror stories (fake items, never receiving a parcel, stealing your money then running for the hills, etc), but La Boutique has never let me down. They are telling you the truth when they say they sell ONLY 100% authentic international makeup. Expect brands such as Huda Beauty, Kylie Cosmetics, Tarte, Becca, Too Faced, Anastasia Beverly Hills, and also the beautiful RAER Artistry brushes. Check them out on Instagram or contact them via WhatsApp – 082 314 7302 or email – shop@laboutique.mobi.